First flu deaths of the season reported in North Carolina

North Carolina officials say two people in the Triad have died in the state's first deaths of the 2012-2013 flu season.

State Health Director Laura Gerald said Thursday one of the two adults was at higher risk for complications because of advanced age and pre-existing medical conditions. The other had no known risk factors for severe influenza illness. Neither victim had been vaccinated against the contagious illness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that just under half of North Carolinians were immunized against flu last year. Nine died in the state and about 25,000 nationwide during the last fall-to-spring season ending in May.

Flu vaccine is especially recommended for pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, the very young children, and the elderly.